JACKSONVILLE – Senior writer John Oehser, senior correspondent Brian Sexton and team reporter Kainani Stevens offer quick thoughts on the Jaguars as they prepare to play the Las Vegas Raiders in a 2024 Week 16 game at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev.

John Oehser, Jaguars Senior Writer…

1. Player to watch: Offense. We're down to precious few storylines entering the final three weeks of the 2024 regular season, with the playoffs long since impossible and with multiple offensive players out for the season. So, how about a Jaguars player to watch as the season approaches an end? We'll skip the obvious choice of rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr., who has clearly established himself as an elite player in the making. Let's go with wide receiver Parker Washington. The second-year veteran has flashed at times since moving into a front-line role after wide receiver Christian Kirk's Week 8 broken collarbone, but Washington hasn't yet proven a consistent option on Kirk's level. The Jaguars must decide in the offseason whether to retain Kirk, who has a high salary-cap figure for 2025. Washington's final few weeks of the season could play a factor in that decision.
2. Player to watch: Defense. This is tougher than choosing an offensive player because with the exception of defensive end Travon Walker, few – if any – defensive players have stood out this season. And the secondary – and pass defense – has been a major disappointment. But for the purposes of the task at hand, let's go with rookie defensive tackle Maason Smith. He played sparingly through the first 12 games of the season, but has had an increased role in the last two weeks as Jaguars coaches have increasingly played younger players after being eliminated from the postseason. Smith has flashed at times in the last two games. The Jaguars would love him to flash more in the final three weeks. Defensive tackle currently appears a major offseason need for a team that hasn't been consistent enough on the interior of the line. If Smith shows more the rest of the season, perhaps the need won't be quite so pressing.

Brian Sexton, Jaguars Senior Correspondent…

1. I loved tight end Brenton Strange's postgame comments after the loss to the Jets. He was asked how he kept his energy level high despite all the losses and no playoffs ahead. His response made me want to stand and cheer. He explained that he loved football and knew they only had three games left in the season – and that he would be there on Monday ready to work because it's so important to him. It was great to hear a young player so adamant about his love for the game and for him to show such professionalism. That the Jaguars have played hard through 15 weeks of frustration shows there are plenty of other guys who also love the game. In an era when money, media and the trappings of celebrity are everywhere, it was refreshing to hear. It's also important his attitude and approach be lauded because it's what separates good from great.
2. Let's see Tre Prince this week, please. I've been excited about the young cornerback from Ole Miss all season, but he apparently hasn't earned the right to play over the other cornerbacks. But after last week's fourth-quarter struggles in the secondary, why not play him in Las Vegas? He has everything you could ask for in a cornerback: long, tall and fast – plus hypercompetitive. I was impressed after talking to him during training camp and wondered how long it would be before we saw him in action; it sounds as if we're getting closer. That's important because it's a position of need for the Jaguars. While you never would pass on an elite cornerback, you might be willing to look at defensive tackle or pass rusher if you're confident in what you already have on the roster.

Kainani Stevens, Jaguars Team Reporter/Producer...

1. Under the bright lights of the "Death Star." The Jaguars will head to Las Vegas this weekend and take the field at Allegiant Stadium for the first time. Along with SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles, Allegiant is the newest stadium in the NFL. I'm excited to check the space out in person after watching Super Bowl LVIII there in February. Perhaps get a sneak peek of what EverBank Stadium could look like in 2027 after the renovation project is complete.
2. Who's it going to be? The Raiders have dealt with a spate of injuries lately, including to their quarterback room. Week 1 starter and former Jaguars quarterback Gardner Minshew is out for the season with a broken collarbone. Backup quarterback Aidan O'Connell is currently rehabbing a knee injury. If O'Connell can't go, then it will be third-string quarterback Desmond Ridder. Ridder got the start on Monday Night Football against the Atlanta Falcons but was less than impressive with one touchdown and two interceptions. Raiders Head Coach Antonio Pierce this week said O'Connell is "trending up," but it looks like it may be a game-time decision. The Jaguars will have to prep for both and focus heavily on eliminating rookie tight end Brock Bowers no matter who starts behind center.